Ashleigh Buhai started well once again on the LPGA Tour with an opening four-under-par 68 in the first round of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Buhai made five birdies and one bogey as she ended the first round in a share of 11th, three strokes off the lead. At the top of the leaderboard was Alison Lee of the United States, who had an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys in her seven-under-par 65. Lee was two clear of nine players on five-under. Buhai shared 11th with 10 other players in a bunched top portion of the leaderboard.
One shot behind Buhai were 11 players on three-under in a share of 22nd, and Paula Reto, on two-under, was in a 16-way share of 33rd.
Taking advantage of the five par-fives at Blythefield Country Club with a birdie or better on each, Lee carded her best 18-hole score of the 2024 season so far.
A solid group of players sit just behind Lee at five-under. A mix of Solheim Cup veterans like Jennifer Kupcho, who won this event in 2022, Carlota Ciganda and Lizette Salas are in the mix, as well as two-time Meijer LPGA Classic champion Brooke Henderson. Salas and Henderson shot the best round of the afternoon wave with their 67s. The late wave battled wind gusts and dry greens but Henderson broke away from the pack thanks to eagles on eight and 18, joining Isabella Fierro with two eagles on the card through 18 holes.
